Go Out Into Your Communities

I gave a presentation this evening about "Vegetarianism in the Jewish Tradition" at a local synagogue as part of its adult education series. I spent a good chunk of time talking about the role of vegetarianism in the Bible and the notion of tsa'ar ba'alei chayim, and I also talked about what animals go through in modern factory farms and slaughterhoues. There were probably 15-20 people there, and the crowd really got it. I think they were much more prepared for the typical "here's what animals go through" shpiel after hearing a foundation on their own terms. I brought kosher falafel, pita, and tehini, which also went over big. It helped to show exactly what vegetarian eating means.

I highly recommend that Jewish vegetarian advocates take the message to their communities. Discussing these important issues Jewishly and as a community is so important, and I think giving a talk in synagogues, JCCs, and youth and student groups is a fantastic way to go. Jewish tradition provides much support for vegetarianism, so why should we support the horrors of modern animal agriculture? A half hour exploring that question goes a long way.

Preparing such a speech is not as difficult as it may seem. Read Richard Schwartz's Judaism and Vegetarianism for a wealth of information. Schwartz also cowrote a pamphlet called "The Jewish Case for Vegetarianism," which was very helpful. I also touched on some of the articles I've referred to in my blog and my general knowledge of animal rights issues. Really, that's a great starting point for giving a speech and starting a dialogue about vegetarianism in the Jewish community.